Two Casual Holiday Party Looks

I love an occasion to dress up — but sadly I don’t as many opportunities to do so. I still get invited to a lot of holiday parties but they are mostly casual affairs — ornament exchanges, white elephant holiday parties in the neighborhood and the like. So I want to show you two outfit ideas that are perfect for these types of occasions — because I know you want to look festive but not overdressed.

Casual Holiday Party Look #1

For the first look I paired a high neck ruffle blouse in a festive color with a pair of distressed jeans. I could have dressed up the outfit more by wearing the blouse with a pair of pants but I wore this to an ornament exchange party at a neighbor’s house so I wanted to be casual. If I was going to a fancier occasion, black or ivory pants — in that order — would kick it up a notch. I added a leopard belt because I can’t resist an animal print. Plus I think jewel tones (think emerald, sapphire, and ruby) and animal print accessories work very well together. You can choose to add heels or not depending on warmth and comfort.

Casual Holiday Party Look #2

For the second look I’m wearing a casual asymmetrical sweater with distressed jeans. While the sweater is not a festive on its own, it feels chic because of the bare shoulder. Adding a red handbag with quilted detail elevates the look. I would feel completely comfortable wearing this to a causal holiday party at a girlfriend’s house or to a classroom party.

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Lunch With A Girlfriend began in 2017 over lunch with a dear friend who encouraged me to share my discoveries on style, health, and wellness during my years as a stay at home mom. I believe in addition to raising healthy and confident kids, motherhood is an opportunity to be the best version of you.

In motherhood, our friendships take on new roles: we are conspirators, confiders, and confidence builders. I love my lunches with girlfriends. They inspire me and give me the courage to try new things. I hope that Lunch With A Girlfriend will stir that within you too. After all, life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.

Born and raised in Michigan, I moved to Washington, D.C. after graduating college. A recovering lawyer, I was a congressional aide before deciding to stay at home with my three kids and make Arlington, Virginia my place of work. I love to make connections, build my mom network, and share a good tip with a girlfriend (over lunch, of course).

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